I am currently in the process of creating three different projects, in three different media forms. Actually, I am working on five, but only three are being actively worked on. Then there are the multitudes of other projects that are all lined up in my head, awaiting their turn to come forward. (Do they count?) I suppose you can say I am 'busy'.

It feels good to be in this place in my life. It isn't always like this. That is why when it is, I try to jump in and do as much as I can to get the ball rolling. Once that happens, it is less likely that I lose the inspiration or feeling and that I am able to see the idea come to reality. To me, there seems to be a window of opportunity when things are all aligned perfectly for developing these ideas and once it passes, they somehow lose their lustre and don't seem so good after all.

I haven't quite figured out how or why this happens. It doesn't occur with every idea. Keith has mentioned it to me as well, so I know that the phenomena doesn't only affect me. We both have lists of potential ideas, and he also mentions to me that sometimes an idea seems wonderful at first, but when returning to the list weeks or even months later, we find ourselves scratching our heads and saying to ourselves "What was I thinking?" It is part of the process.

So when things look good at any given moment, I try to move on them quickly. More so than not, during the designing process several changes will take place. The ideas seem to develop thier own personality and have a mind of their own and I am compelled to take them in one direction or another. Those are usually the ideas that turn out best.

I used to think that ideas had to be 'complete' before beginning to develop them. But the more experienced I get, I am starting to understand that the end point doesn't have to be clear before working on something. I am realizing that it is OK to work on something when a bit further down the line there is no set direction. The road ahead can be foggy, and I know that when I get nearer to my destination things will become clear.

Getting over that fear of the unknown was a big step. A good example of that was my carousel project. It was so complicated and vast that thinking things through and figuring out all the details prior to working on it was next to impossible. I spent probably two years trying to do so (without success, I may add) and I finally got to a point where I just needed to jump in with both feet and allow things to head where they may. As uncomfortable as I was with this way of thinking (I tend to like things thought through before starting – I am very organized in that respect) I find that it was an exercise in expanding my mind to the possibility of who knows what. By doing this, it removed any restrictions I placed on myself and the resulting designs were limitless. It was a risk I am happy I took.

So now, with this new mentality under my belt, I am learning to be comfortable with the discomfort of the unknown. It is a big step. I believe however that it will only prove to help my designs and expand my creativity. We will see in the upcoming weeks (months, years.)

I mentioned yesterday that I had three designs in the works. One is a scroll saw design, one is a painting design and the other with fabric. I had a hard time trying to figure out which one I wanted to work on, as the days seem to go by so quickly and I am anxious to see all three become reality.

I began with the scroll saw one, as I was in the mood for some drawing. I really like the idea of drawing and cutting some swirly fretwork, so I thought that would be a great place to start. Here is a little peek at what I have come up with so far:

It will be fun to cut and I think it will be cool.

In the evening, I went back to my fiber arts. I find it easy and relaxing to do that kind of work at night. It is slow going and no pressure and I can really unwind while doing it. It is the perfect craft to follow a busy day. Here is a little hint of what I am doing so far:

For the third project (the painting one) I have only been working on it in my head. I think today I will start actually 'doing something' on it and getting the painting started. Of the three designs, I feel that this is the clearest in my mind, and perhaps that is why I am saving it for last. It is easy.

I really like working this way. There are several other new things waiting in the wings of my mind to be worked on as well. They seem to keep shuffling around among themselves and even I don't know what will be at the front of the line when I am ready for the next project. We will all have to see when the time comes. That keeps things pretty interesting.

On other news, I got some updated photos of my car for those who are interested. They are on day four today and I am sure it will take the remainder of the week and well into next week before I will get it back. But I would prefer that to having it done quickly and without care. Doing things right takes time. Here are the photos I was given: